- Limoncello ↑
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Limoncello, the refreshing, light Italian lemon liqueur, is traditionally served as an after dinner digestivo. It should always be served well chilled, and along the Amalfi Coast it is usually served in small ceramic glasses which may also be chilled. So, pop shot glasses in the fridge before dinner in readiness for this end of meal delight.
Limoncello is very sweet but is tempered by the strong, tart natural lemon taste. Ali’s Limoncello uses an authentic recipe from Praiano on the Amalfi Coast in Italy and is made the traditional way. Each lemon is carefully hand peeled to ensure that only the yellow skin is used without any of the bitterness of the white pith. This results in a clear, yellow colour and an intense, pure flavour.
While Limoncello is traditionally served alone or poured over ice, it is becoming increasingly popular as an ingredient in both food and cocktails as it gives a strong lemon flavour without the sour bitterness of lemon juice.
Serve with champagne, or pour it over fresh berries and refrigerate until ready to serve with ice cream. Or fold it into freshly whipped cream for a tangy accompaniment to fruit desserts.
When making seafood risotto, add 2 – 3 tablespoons of Ali’s Limoncello with the wine to intensify the flavour.
For more ideas check out the Recipe Section.
- Lemon Syrup ↑
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Lemon is widely recognised as a valuable source of vitamin C, the miracle vitamin that strengthens the immune system, promotes healing and helps us deal with stress. Pectin, a form of soluble fibre in citrus fruit, helps maintain or lower cholesterol levels and protects against heart disease. Lemon refreshes and cleanses the mouth and is thought to assist digestion. A time-honoured soother for colds and fever, lemon drinks continue to be essential and comforting tonics in homes everywhere.
What better way to gain these benefits than to drink Ali’s Lemon Syrup which will, at the same time, allow the taste buds to indulge in the pleasure of this delightful elixir. Ali’s Lemon Syrup is made from her great-grandmother’s recipe and contains the whole lemon and so provides all the benefits attributed to this fruit. It contains no artificial preservatives, so keep refrigerated.
In winter serve Ali’s Lemon Syrup hot with a teaspoon of honey. Add half a teaspoon of fresh ginger to alleviate the symptoms of colds and flu.
In summer, served with soda and a sprig of mint, it is a refreshing mocktail enjoyed by all ages. At parties it is the perfect drink for the designated driver and those who don’t drink alcohol. At family celebrations and gatherings, serve as a special bubbly for those too young to indulge in champagne.
For more ideas see the Recipe Section.
- Lemon Slice ↑
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Ali's Lemon slice is a generous piece of lemon heaven - the lemon zest ensures that the balance of sweet and sour is just right. Treat yourself at Riccarton Farmers' Market at Deans Bush in Christchurch or at The Platter in Kelburn, Wellington.
For more ideas see the Recipe Section.
- Preserved Lemons ↑
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Ali's Preserved Lemons can be used in traditional Moroccan Cooking. The sharp flavour adds a distinctive and authentic element to this style of cooking. Add to chicken soup for a burst of flavour. Chop through couscous and serve with lemon chicken or fish. Use cold rice (up to one day after cooking) to prepare a quick and easy but tasty rice salad by adding some finely chopped preserved lemon, slivered almonds, currants or sultanas and chopped fresh herbs such as mint, basil or parsley.
For more ideas see the Recipe Section.
- Lemon Marmalade ↑
Lemon Ginger Marmalade -
Marmalade has its origins in Greece where marmelo, or quince, was cooked slowly with honey. In the 17th century the English term marmalade was extended to refer to citrus fruits when they began to be more plentiful in that country.
Ali’s Lemon Marmalade is made from a traditional family recipe using finely sliced lemon peel and juice and is simmered in sugar and water till soft. It contains no artificial additives or preservatives. As it contains no grapefruit, it is safe for those on cholesterol-lowering medication.
Delicious served on toast or plain muffins it is also a zesty addition to plain steamed puddings or spooned over yoghurt or ice cream for a refreshing dessert.
For more ideas see the Recipe Section.
- Tea Towels ↑
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Ali’s tea towels feature the striking design on her labels. Made of 100% cotton they are most effective in drying glass and crystal as they leave no annoying lint.
- Lemon Caramelised Onion ↑
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Onions have a number of nutritional benefits. They contain flavonoids, compounds which act as antioxidants and help build the immune system. Flavonoid consumption has been associated with reduced risk of cancer and diabetes. It is also thought that onions can boost beneficial HDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure.
Caramelising the onions involves sweating them to draw out the liquid. They are cooked over a low heat until the sugars melt and start to brown. The long cooking time brings out the complex flavours of the onions’ sugars. The lemon enhances the flavour.
Lemon Caramelised Onion perfectly complements cheese and meats. Serve as part of a platter. Pile into filo pastry cases and top with feta to make elegant tarts to accompany racks of lamb. Stir into beef stock for a quick onion soup. Use on pizzas. Serve warm with blanched green beans and toasted sliced almonds. The list goes on.
For more ideas see the Recipe Section.
- Lemon Curd ↑
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Ali’s Lemon Curd, what used to be called Lemon Honey, is made using an old family recipe. It is made the traditional way with free range eggs and butter and contains no preservatives so must be kept in the fridge after opening. There it will keep for up to 6 months – but only if you hide it, as it is rather addictive!
Enjoy on toast and muffins, or spoon into Sweet Short Pastry cases, top with meringue and brown in the oven, or substitute meringue for whipped cream for a cold dessert treat.
For more ideas see the Recipe Section.
- Gluten Free Shortbread ↑
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A crisp treat for those whose dietary requirements mean they so often miss out, Ali's Gluten Free Shortbread is made using rice flour and maize cornflour. Tied with a sunny yellow bow it's all ready to offer as a gift or as a delightful indulgence for yourself.
For more ideas see the Recipe Section.
- Lemon Mushrooms ↑
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Ali's Lemon Mushrooms are a delicious addition to an antipasto platter. The tartness of the lemon complements the earthy mushrooms and the tang of the extra virgin olive oil. The liquid in which the mushrooms are bottled can be used to add flavour to pasta and also poured over vegetables as they are roasting.
For more ideas see the Recipe Section.